Life House banquet ‘best ever' Oct 24, 2009
She said her insurance company had suggested she consider selective reduction due to probable birth defects, but she refused. After battling the insurance company for funds, she continued, she had the triplets and they were completely healthy. (Murray Ledger & Times, KY)
Fetal Study Highlights Impact Of Stress On Male Fertility Oct 23, 2009
They found that the combination strikingly increased the likelihood of reproductive birth defects ... The conditions are the most common birth defects in male babies. (Science Daily)
Kings Co. planners approve landfill expansion Oct 21, 2009
Opponents told commissioners they should not approve the expansion until officials determine what caused five birth defects in the area ... HANFORD -- Kings County planning commissioners Monday night approved the expansion of a hazardous-waste landfill near Kettleman City despite previous pleas from opponents that the project should not go forward until health officials determine why five babies were born recently with birth defects ... Opponents say five of the 20 babies born in the Kettleman... (Fresno Bee -- Local)
Caltrain fatality identified as Gunn junior William Dickens, 16 Oct 21, 2009
In 1996, more teenagers and young adults died of suicide than from cancer, heart disease, AIDS, birth defects, stroke, pneumonia and influenza, and chronic lung disease combined. In 1996, suicide was the second-leading cause of death among college students, the third-leading cause of death among those aged 15 to 24 years, and the fourth- leading cause of death among those aged 10 to 14 years. (Palo Alto Online, CA)
Health / Fitness Snapshots Oct 21, 2009
For more from the CDC on birth defects, visit. What to expect during a mammogram A trip to the doctor is a big enough hassle without having to deal with fear of the unknown. (Montana Standard, MT)
Health Tip: The Importance of Folic Acid Oct 21, 2009
It can help prevent birth defects ... The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says this B vitamin can reduce the risk of major birth defects affecting the spine and brain by as much as 70 percent. (MEDLINEplus)
Which Organic Foods Are Worth The Switch? Oct 21, 2009
Organochlorines have been attributed to causing cancer, birth defects and nervous system damage, among other health issues. They contain known toxins such as , and these pesticides accumulate in plants, animals and in the ground. (Click2Houston, TX)
This is very sad. We are loosing too many wonderful people to cancer. ... Oct 20, 2009
I strongly suspect exposure to glycol ether would cause this epidemic as well as the epidemic of skyrocketing autoimmune issues, birth defects and Autism. Exposure 'looks like' the flu. (Multichannel News)
Who uses cannabis? Oct 18, 2009
"Use during pregnancy could reduce birth weight, but does not seem to cause birth defects. Whether cannabis contributes to behavioural disorders in the offspring of women who smoked cannabis is uncertain.". Misguided. (iAfrica.com)
Landfill decision expected Monday Oct 18, 2009
The opponents are worried about the project's impact on the health of Kettleman City residents, such as high incidence of birth defects. They argue that the project should not be approved until the investigation rules out environmental exposure as the cause. (Hanford Sentinal, CA)
Higher Fees for Workers with Health Risks? Oct 17, 2009
In other news, in order to make the free market more efficient, new legislation has passed that allows people born with birth defects, learning disabilities, etc. to be taken to a location where they will be shot. (CBS News -- US)
Paxil to Pay Woman $2.5M for Her Baby's Birth Defects Oct 16, 2009
5 Million for Her Baby's Birth Defects ... The closely watched verdict handed down Tuesday in Philadelphia was the first of about 600 similar cases pending across the country that blame Paxil for heart problems and other birth defects ... Paxil was classified as a drug with no known link to increased birth defects from its introduction in 1992 through 2005. (Fox News)
$2.5M verdict over birth defects blamed on Paxil Oct 15, 2009
5M verdict over birth defects blamed on Paxil - Yahoo ... 5M verdict over birth defects blamed on Paxil ... The closely watched verdict handed down Tuesday in Philadelphia was the first of about 600 similar cases pending across the country that blame Paxil for heart problems and other birth defects. (Yahoo News)
Environmental Armageddon? Oct 15, 2009
Opponents told commissioners they should not approve the expansion until officials determine what caused five birth defects in the area. EDITORIAL: Let Waste Management expand Kettleman site. (Fresno Bee -- Opinion)
Jury Awards $2.5 Million In Birth Defects Linked To Paxil Oct 15, 2009
5 Million In Birth Defects Linked To Paxil ... 5 Million In Birth Defects Linked To Paxil A jury has ordered a drug maker to pay $2 ... 5 million in a suit over birth defects allegedly caused by the antidepressant drug Paxil. (KWTX.com, TX)
Our views: Toxic killer Oct 15, 2009
6 million military personnel were potentially exposed between 1965-70 to the toxic herbicide, which has been blamed for many forms of cancer and birth defects in the children of veterans. Vietnam veterans fought a long battle to get the Department of Veterans Affairs to admit the connection, with Congress finally passing the Agent Orange Act in 1991 that allowed them to receive treatment and compensation for 12 related conditions. (Florida Today)
Unsafe Abortions Kill 70,000 Annually Oct 14, 2009
Nationally, Mexico allows abortion only in cases of rape, severe birth defects or if the mother's life is at risk, although doctors sometimes still deny the procedure under those circumstances. (AP Photo/Dario Lopez-Mills). (CBS News)
Medications that block folic acid in pregnancy double risk of congenital malformations in fetus Oct 14, 2009
Healthcare professionals now encourage women to take folic acid supplements or eat food fortified with folic acid if they are planning to get pregnant, as well as during early pregnancy because there is clear evidence that this reduces the risk of any resulting baby having neural tube defects and possibly other birth defects (congenital malformations). The team considered the effects of two groups of medications on pregnancy. (EurekAlert!)
'New' type of breast cancer, DCIS, can put life on hold Oct 12, 2009
And she has had to delay trying to have children for five years while she takes a hormonal treatment called tamoxifen, which can cause birth defects. "The huge effect from DCIS is that my life has to stop," says Laufer, who was diagnosed at 37 and recently began taking the drug. (USA Today -- News)
Jaw bone created from stem cells Oct 11, 2009
Problems with the joint can be the result of birth defects, arthritis or injury. Although they are widespread, treatment can be difficult. (BBC News -- Health)
Letter to the Editor: EPA hurts mid-level blend markets (2) Oct 11, 2009
We must also remember gasoline's benzene related carcinogens cause cancers, birth defects and family tragedies that also burden families with catastrophic costs. Ethanol emissions are being compared to gasoline emissions. (Sioux Falls Tri-State Neighbor, SD)
EPA Reviews Health Risks From Popular Weed Killer Oct 9, 2009
But new studies have shown that even at low levels atrazine in drinking water can cause low birth weights, birth defects and reproductive problems. In 2003, under the Bush administration, the EPA allowed atrazine to continue to be used with few restrictions. (W-USA News, DC)
Genetic Effects Of Radiation: Study Will Help Understand Radiation Exposure In Cancer Survivors And Their Children Oct 9, 2009
Scientists want to determine whether radiation and chemotherapy before conception increases the occurrence of birth defects, stillbirths and specific conditions such as Down syndrome. They also want to know if radiation treatment leads to cancer or DNA damage in the patients offspring. (Science Daily)
Anger erupts at landfill meeting Oct 8, 2009
As police officers looked on, the upset Kettleman City resident hollered words of protest in Spanish while holding up a picture of a baby with birth defects ... For years, they have complained about higher rates of asthma, cancer and birth defects ... Responding to a concern regarding birth defects, Kings County health officials said they have requested the state birth defect monitoring program to provide an updated analysis of birth defect statistics in Kettleman City. (Hanford Sentinal, CA)
EPA to review health impact of weed killer Oct 8, 2009
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Environmental Protection Agency said on Wednesday it is reviewing the health impacts of an herbicide known as atrazine, a widely used weed killer that recent studies have tied to birth defects, low birth weight and premature babies. The EPA said it is reviewing the risks of the herbicide and whether new restrictions are necessary to better protect public health. (Scientific American)
Most Childhood Cancer Survivors Have Healthy Babies Oct 8, 2009
Infants born to the childhood cancer survivors weren't at increased risk for birth defects or death, but were 54 percent more likely to be born preterm and 31 percent more likely to weigh less than 2,500 grams (5. 5 pounds) at birth. (MEDLINEplus)
Pregnancy Tips Oct 8, 2009
While you're pregnant, stay away from cat litter, because it can carry toxoplasmosis, which can cause birth defects. Also, wear gloves while gardening in areas that cats may visit and while handling uncooked meats. (KERO 23, CA)
Weed killer to be reviewed for health risk Oct 8, 2009
But new studies have shown that even at low levels atrazine in drinking water can cause low birth weights, birth defects and reproductive problems. advertisement. (MSNBC -- Environment)
LETTER: People have many choices of protection Oct 8, 2009
shumphreys wrote on Oct 7, 2009 9:36 AM:" What about the victims of rape, they don't have the option to choose. What about birth defects or problems that endanger the life of the mother? Then there is the problem that nothing is 100% fool proof. As Mama says people will be people, they forget to take a pill or can't follow directions and misuse a product or are just simply stupid and act without thinking. I agree that prevention is the best policy and birth control should be made available to... (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Major improvements made in engineering heart repair patches from stem cells Oct 8, 2009
While the clinical application of tissues engineered from stem cells in treating hearts damaged from heart attacks or birth defects is still in the future, the researchers believe progress has been made. This study showed that researchers could create the first entirely human heart tissue patch from human embryonic cell-derived heart muscle cells, blood vessel lining cells and fiber-producing cells, and successfully engraft the tissue into an animal. (EurekAlert!)
A Statistical Analysis of Maritime Unemployment Rates, 1946-1948. Just Kidding, More Liberal Lies About National Healthcare! Oct 8, 2009
The main causes of infant mortality -- aside from major birth defects -- are prematurity and low birth-weight. And the main causes of low birth-weight are: smoking, illegitimacy and teenage births. (Human Events Online)
Africa: Continent Leads World in Premature Infant Deaths Oct 7, 2009
The study, presented at the Fourth International Conference on Birth Defects and Disabilities in the Developing World Oct. 4-7 in New Delhi, India, reveals that Africa and Asia accounted for an overwhelming 85 percent of all preterm births combined in 2005, despite the fact that North American preterm births soared 36 percent over the past 25 years. "Relatively little is known about the causes of premature births in the developing world," Christopher Howson, Ph. (allAfrica.com)
EDITORIAL: Let Waste Management expand Kettleman site Oct 7, 2009
Opponents told commissioners they should not approve the expansion until officials determine what caused five birth defects in the area ... Opponents want the expansion stopped until health officials determine what caused five birth defects in the area ... But Kings County officials say there is no evidence of an unusual number of birth defects. (Fresno Bee)
One Million 'Preemie' Babies Die Each Year Oct 6, 2009
The report is scheduled to be presented this month at the International Conference on Birth Defects and Disabilities in the Developing World, held in New Delhi, India. SOURCE: March of Dimes, news release, Oct. 4, 2009. (MEDLINEplus)
Breakthrough: Bone Graft Grown in Exact Shape of Complex Skull-Jaw Joint Oct 6, 2009
Bones often come in complex, delicate shapes, making it hard to find matching natural replacements for them in patients suffering from injuries, or birth defects. Now researchers have grown bone grafts in the exact shape of a desired bone, an advance that could help provide doctors with just what they need for , skull and other skeletal reconstructions. (Scientific American)
500 pack Kings County meeting on landfill plan Oct 6, 2009
Opponents told commissioners they should not approve the expansion until officials determine what caused five birth defects in the area ... Opponents said five of the 20 babies born in the Kettleman City area over a 14-month period ending in late 2008 had birth defects, including four with cleft palates ... County health officials say they have no evidence connecting birth defects to industry in the Kettleman City area. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
Many Childhood Cancer Survivors Have Uncomplicated Pregnancies, Healthy Babies Oct 6, 2009
6, 2009) Women who survived cancer in childhood or adolescence or women whose male partner is a childhood cancer survivor do not appear to have an increased risk of major complications during pregnancy, having babies with birth defects or infant deaths, according to two reports in the October issue of Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals ... Infants born to childhood cancer survivors were not at increased risk of birth defects or of death, but did have... (Science Daily)
Global death toll: 1 million premature babies every year Oct 5, 2009
These data are being presented at the 4th International Conference on Birth Defects and Disabilities in the Developing World to be held in early October in New Delhi, India ... " He says WHO currently is improving its database on preterm birth in order to support decision-making in this area. Another challenge, the authors of the white paper say, is that there is no internationally accepted classification of preterm birth or glossary of terms. "We need to at least adopt common definitions and... (EurekAlert!)
North America ranks second in premature births Oct 5, 2009
The report is scheduled to be presented this month at the International Conference on Birth Defects and Disabilities in the Developing World, held in New Delhi, India. The March of Dimes is a U.S. non-profit healthcare organization. (Xinhuanet, China)
13 million premature births worldwide: US charity Oct 5, 2009
AFP - Monday, October 5. A premature baby receives attention at a clinic in Paris. (Yahoo! Asia News)
9 ways to reap health rewards from your diet Oct 3, 2009
Though folate supplements (folic acid) are recommended during pregnancy to help prevent birth defects, you should otherwise get your folate from food, says Gerbstadt. More stories from Prevention. (MSNBC -- Health)
Landfill hearing Monday Oct 3, 2009
They have complained about anything from lack of Latino representation in the public process by the county to health concerns posed by a high incidence of birth defects and infant deaths in Kettleman City. Among the environmental impact analyses of the landfill project disputed by opponents. (Hanford Sentinal, CA)
Obese Moms Risk Babies with Heart Defects Oct 3, 2009
Researchers analyzed data on 6,440 infants with congenital heart defects and 5,673 infants without birth defects for the study, the results of which were published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology ... "Congenital heart defects are the most common types of birth defect and among all birth defects they are a leading cause of illness, death and medical expenditures," Edwin Trevathan, director of the CDC's National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, said in a... (Newsmax)
Mom's Obesity Tied to Baby's Heart Defects Oct 3, 2009
Compared with women of normal weight at the beginning of pregnancy, overweight mothers had an 18 percent increased risk of giving birth to a child with certain heart defects, while the most severely obese had a 30 percent increased risk, according to Dr. Sonja Rasmussen, of the CDC's National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities ... "Since obesity is a common condition among women of child-bearing age and is increasing in the U.S. in prevalence, it's important for us to... (ABC News)
The American Spirit: Strong Swimmer Oct 3, 2009
The boys were born with severe birth defects which is both the point and beside the point of this story as CBS News Correspondent Richard Schlesinger reports. They are disabled but still they are able to do what most teenagers do: indulge their passions. (CBS News -- Evening News)
Treating Even Mild Gestational Diabetes Reduces Birth Complications; Clear Benefits For Infants And Mothers Oct 2, 2009
9, 2007) Mothers of babies born with some structural birth defects -- including missing limbs, malformed hearts and underdeveloped spinal cords -- appear more likely to be obese prior to becoming pregnant. (Sep. (Science Daily)
Pre-Pregnancy Weight Linked to Babies' Heart Problems Oct 2, 2009
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention researchers analyzed data on 6,440 infants with congenital heart defects and 5,673 infants without heart defects whose mothers took part in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study ... "These results support previous studies, as well as provide additional evidence, that there is an association between a woman being overweight or obese before pregnancy and certain types of heart defects," primary study author Suzanne Gilboa, an epidemiologist at... (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
Reporting home Sep 30, 2009
The senator also disclosed the allocation of 780,000 in funds for education to reduce birth defects and infant mortality, along with 450,000 for stroke prevention measures and 730,000 in teen pregnancy prevention initiatives. The state also is providing one million dollars over two years to improve care for those suffering from Alzheimer s or dementia. (Roanoke Rapids Daily Herald, NC)
Researchers look to enriched crops to solve childhood malnutrition Sep 30, 2009
Many of the birth defects come from those areas of the world where people eat only potatoes or other starches, Beachy said. In 2010, the team will enter an early stage of testing by growing a variety of sweet potato high in pro-vitamin A in Africa to see how it fares in that climate. (Washington University Student Life, MO)
Increased Risk Of Birth Defects After PCE Exposure Sep 26, 2009
25, 2009) Exposure to tetrachloroethylene (also known as perchlorethylene, PCE) may cause congenital birth defects ... Ann Aschengrau, from Boston University School of Public Health, USA, worked with a team of researchers to study the prevalence of birth defects in the children of women from 8 towns in Cape Cod who had been exposed to PCE during the period 1969-1983 ... (June 28, 2007) Researchers have found that certain selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors antidepressants do not appear to... (Science Daily)
Mittal Dismisses Pollution Claims In South Africa Sep 26, 2009
Environmental experts say ground water has been contaminated by toxins that cause disease and birth defects. The company has also faced charges of price-fixing, and a case relating to market collusion is pending. (CBS News -- World)
Hamilton adopts 'pesticide-free' zones Sep 26, 2009
Pesticides, the township noted in the resolution, can prove hazardous to children, pregnant women, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems, and studies have demonstrated that prolonged exposure to pesticides can result in the development of conditions like asthma, birth defects and even certain forms of cancer. Pesticides sprayed into the air or onto the ground can sicken pets and make their way into waterways, Nogaki said, with the potential to damage fragile ecosystems and... (NJ.com -- Times)
Antidepressants Linked to Heart Defects in Newborns Sep 26, 2009
Recent research has indicated a higher risk of various defects, including heart defects, among pregnant women taking antidepressants, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) have issued warnings about possible birth defects associated with the use of the SSRI Paxil (paroxetine) by moms-to-be ... Although no overall association was found in this study between mothers taking SSRIs during the first trimester and birth defects in... (MEDLINEplus)
Anti-depressants pregnancy 'risk' Sep 25, 2009
In 2005, the US Food and Drug Administration issued a warning about the SSRI paroxetine because of an increase in birth defects if it was taken during pregnancy. Septal heart defects. (BBC News -- Health)
Dr. Murray Feingold: The call in the middle of the night Sep 25, 2009
Massachusetts-based Dr. Murray Feingold is the physician in chief of the National Birth Defects Center, medical editor of WBZ-TV and WBZ radio, and president of the Genesis Fund. The Genesis Fund is a nonprofit organization that funds the care of children born with birth defects, mental retardation and genetic diseases. (Belmont Citizen Herald, MA)
Doctors' suit: KFC grilled chicken a danger Sep 24, 2009
In a lawsuit in San Francisco Superior Court, the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine accused KFC of violating California's Proposition 65, which requires businesses to warn customers if they are being exposed to substances that cause cancer or birth defects. The chemical cited in the lawsuit, known as PhIP, is a byproduct of the grilling process and was added to the state's list of carcinogens in 1994. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Boosting Vaccines: The Power of Adjuvants Sep 24, 2009
The thought of birth defects caused by rubella, rows of iron lungs housing children crippled by polio, or the horrific sound of a baby struggling with whooping cough can still evoke dread among people who have seen firsthand the damage inflicted by these and other vaccine-preventable diseases. Fortunately, those scourges are virtually unknown to modern generations that have had access to vaccines all their lives. (Scientific American)
Firm offers to settle toxic waste case Sep 23, 2009
It said 20 experts it had hired did not find a link between "exposure to the chemicals released from the slops [toxic waste] and deaths, miscarriages, stillbirths, birth defects, loss of visual acuity or other serious and chronic injuries.". It admits that a contractor dumped the toxic waste but denies responsibility. (CNN -- World)
New technology helps children with heart defects Sep 23, 2009
And repairing heart birth defects is the reason why Tulane University Hospital for Children is preparing to open a state-of-the-art hybrid suite. "The hybrid suite it's being built to do both interventional cardiology and surgery in one room so that the surgeon and cardiologist can work together doing a procedure to repair a heart," explained Dr. Michael Recto, a pediatric interventional cardiologist and professor and chief of Pediatric Cardiology at Tulane. (WWLTV.com, LA)
Cte d'Ivoire: Toxic Waste Claimants Offered Payouts Sep 22, 2009
com: Cte d'Ivoire: Toxic Waste Claimants Offered Payouts (Page 1 of 1). Toxic Waste Claimants Offered Payouts. (allAfrica.com)
Pregnant women bare arms for H1N1 vaccine Sep 22, 2009
In the 1950s and early 1960s, thousands of pregnant women in dozens of countries who took the drug for morning sickness gave birth to babies with severe birth defects, such as missing limbs. Although the Food and Drug Administration never approved thalidomide to treat morning sickness in the USA, the drug galvanized debate about the wisdom of pregnant women taking any kind of medication. (USA Today)
Mideast meet anchors Obama's 12 hours of diplomacy Sep 22, 2009
"SSI benefits are often confused with SSDI benefits, which are granted to individuals over the age of eighteen who have been determined to be mentally, intellectually or physically unable to obtain and maintain gainful employment. These qualifying conditions may have been the result of birth defects, life-threatening illnesses, or accidents.People who are eligible for SSDI, receive Medicare, nor Medicaid, and a Social Security monthly stipend which is far less than it would be if the individual... (Montana Standard, MT)
Study puts pesticide's safety in spotlight once again Sep 21, 2009
Australia's National Toxics Network has amassed research that has linked endosulfan to breast cancer, immunosuppression and birth defects. The organochlorine compound is suspected of disrupting the endocrine system. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Trafigura Agrees to Toxic Waste Settlement Sep 21, 2009
Trafigura said in a statement that the waste could have caused "low level flulike symptoms and anxiety." It said there was no evidence the waste caused more serious conditions like death, miscarriage, still births or birth defects. Several thousands of people sought medical treatment, after waste from a tanker chartered by Trafigura was offloaded at several sites around Abidjan in August 2006. (ABC News -- Wire)
Military Moms Get The Baby Shower They Missed Sep 21, 2009
With chapters nationwide, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For the latest resources and information, visit or. (PR Newswire)
